Soy Candles

As a single mom doing my best to raise two teenage boys, I’ve had my share of joys and frustrations. I have a sneaking suspicion that my home would be a bit quieter and tidier if I had two girls instead, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When the boys come home from football practice in the fall, their gear is soaked in sweat and all of the equipment stinks to high heaven. It’s all I can do to keep from gagging.

When offensive odors begin to filter through the household, I immediately turn on a pair of electric candle warmers. Plug-in air fresheners and deodorizers mount an attack on the senses, overpowering all other smells but becoming overwhelming in their own right. Tart warmers are much more subtle, and they come in a wide variety of appealing scents. Until the boys grow up and move away to college, I’ll be sticking with these trusty tart warmers.

Home decorations tend to be geared first and foremost toward the eye. It’s no secret that visual appeal makes a huge difference from the moment one enters a room. A large couch or chair might catch your eye as the centerpiece of the space, or perhaps a hearth or entertainment center draws the most attention. Then there are the small touches – the vases, paintings, books and figurines that serve as stylish accents, complementing the whole.

Few people take the time to consider a room’s aural appeal. Just think of all the pleasant, reassuring sounds you might associate with a safe, secure home. Maybe it’s the barely noticeable drone of chirping crickets or the occasional car passing on a distant highway. Near the beach, gentle waves sooth families to sleep. Table chimes allow you to add a charming contribution to the home’s natural array of sounds.